The list of academic options at Oakland University is constantly
growing. OU currently offers more than 120 undergraduate degrees
and more than 120 graduate and certificate options. Students have
the opportunity to participate in high-level research as early as
their freshman year.

From important registration reminders to daily events, stay focused on the
finish line while getting the most out of your educational experience.
More than 200 active student organizations take learning to a new level,
while student service offices are here to help you succeed.

Over 100,000 alumni proudly call OU their alma mater. Upon graduation, you will
automatically be welcomed as a member of Oakland University's very active Alumni
Association. Alumni stay connected through networking, volunteering and mentorship
programs.

Nearly half a million people visit campus each year to explore OU's cultural icons,
such as the home to OU's founder, our very own National Historic Landmark. Be
inspired by guest speakers from around the world, or awed by artwork, student,
faculty and guest performances.

Your gift matters! Contributions from alumni and friends create
opportunities that prepare Oakland University students to be leaders.
Support the OU Fund (the area of greatest need), scholarships, athletics,
the library, Meadow Brook Hall, or one of the hundreds of other areas that
make Oakland unique.

The Grizzlies' growing Division I athletics program is a member of the Horizon
League, one of the NCAA's top performing leagues. Athletes can also be found in
dozens of club and intramural sports, or playing recreational games of disc or
ball golf on one of OU's courses.

OU President Gary D. Russi announces retirement

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

OU President Gary D. Russi announces retirement

Oakland University President Gary D. Russi today announced his retirement effective August 1, 2013. The Board of Trustees will appoint Associate Vice President for
Outreach Betty J. Youngblood, Ph.D., interim president at its next
formal session. Russi will work together with Youngblood to ensure a smooth transition as a national search for a new president begins.

"Dr. Russi has been a transformational leader for Oakland University. He has made a lasting mark on the university and helped the institution reach new benchmarks for enrollment, research, collaboration and academic opportunities. Dr. Russi looks forward to enjoying the next chapter of his life." said Michael Kramer, chair of the Oakland University Board of Trustees.

"Dr. Russi has guided Oakland University through exciting times and has championed our school's distinctiveness and dedication to students. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Russi for his two decades of dedicated service to Oakland University. Clearly, he leaves a lasting legacy and will be missed."

During Russi's tenure, the University has experienced tremendous growth. The student population has grown to nearly 20,000, and academic credentials of incoming first-year students have improved significantly. More than 65 new academic degree programs have been added since 1995, and full-time faculty has grown to more than 500.

During this time, Oakland University has invested – often with state support – more than $400 million to enrich environments for teaching, research, learning and living.

Capital improvements included a $43 million Science and Engineering Building, a $37 million Recreation and Athletics Center, the $17.5 million R. Hugh and Nancy Elliott Hall of Business and Information Technology, the $32 million Carlotta and Dennis Pawley Hall, $21 million new student apartments, and construction of a $2.2 million student activities center.

In addition, the university has built a $64 million Human Health Building that opened in 2012 and launched the first new allopathic medical school in the state in 47 years – the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.

Slated to open in fall of 2014, are a new $75-million engineering center, a $30-million student housing complex and, with philanthropic funds, the new campus landmark, the Elliott Tower.

"It has been my honor and pleasure to serve this tremendous university," Russi said.

"I extend my appreciation to the faculty, staff, alumni, friends, donors and the entire Oakland University. The significant growth of Oakland University is a testament to the hard work of the extremely high quality faculty and staff with whom I have had the privilege of working."

Oakland University is a vibrant academic community with nearly 20,000 students and more than 260 degree and certificate programs. To learn more about academics, achievements, and events at OU, visit the news site at oakland.edu/newsatou and follow the news team on Twitter at @OaklandU_News.